Vocabulary Bites (Part - 7) : With Pictorial Explanation

1. Conviction

Definition: Confirmed belief; being found guilty of chargeUsage: She is a person of conviction once she accepts something it is very difficult to change her views.

2. Derisive

Definition: Unkind and showing that you think someone or something is ridiculous. Usage: The boy gave a derisive laugh after he purposely pushed the girl into the mud.

3. Fickle

Definition: Changing often and suddenly | often changing their mind in an unreasonable way so that you cannot rely on them.Usage: He blames the poor sales on fickle customers.

4. Erratic

Definition: Not happening at regular times; not following any plan or regular pattern; that you cannot rely on.Usage: Mary is a gifted but erratic player.

5. Unravel

Definition: Separate and clarify the elements of something. Usage: Sherlock Holmes was looking closely through the victim's belongings to find any clue that would help him unravel the mystery.

6. Swathe

Definition: Wrap in several layers of fabric. Usage: The model was swathed in yards of fabric with the designer knowing about arranging it.

7. Deflated

Definition: 1) to let air or gas out of a tire, balloon, etc.; to become smaller because of air or gas coming out 2) to make someone feel less confident; to make someone or something feel or seem less important 3) to reduce the amount of money being used in a country so that prices fall or stay steady.Usage: His car types were deflated soon after he left for work.

8. Controvert

Definition: To say or prove that something is not true.Usage: The attorney offered evidence that controverted the plaintiff's allegations.

9. Surly

Definition: Ill-humored, arrogant, domineering.Usage: One hesitated before going to their house as they had to endure the surly behaviour of their host's father who found fault with everything.

10. Boisterous

Definition: Noisy and full of life and energy.Usage: The children played boisterously at recess.

11. Conceited

Definition: Having too much pride in yourself and what you do.Usage: It's very conceited of you to assume that your work is always the best.

12. Foil

Definition: To stop something from happening, especially something illegal.Usage: Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle the paintings out of the country.

13. Unbridled

Definition: Not controlled and therefore extreme.Usage: The crowd was swept with unbridled enthusiasm.

14. Unscrupulous

Definition: Without moral principles.Usage: The unscrupulous politician bribed a voter.

15. Adroit

Definition: Skillful and smart, especially in dealing with people.Usage: He is an exceptionally adroit pianist.